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Research Project: IPM Methods for Insect Pests of Orchard Crops

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Title: Factors affecting citrus tree absorption of double-stranded ribonucleic acid, and RNAi delivery to psyllids

Author
item CLARKE, SASHA - University Of The West Indies
item PARIS, THOMAS - University Of Florida
item Hunter, Wayne
item BROWN, SHERLINE - University Of The West Indies
item QUERESHI, JAWWAD - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Florida State Horticultural Society Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/31/2018
Publication Date: 6/10/2018
Citation: Clarke, S.V., Paris, T.M., Hunter, W.B., Brown, S.E., Quereshi, J. 2018. Factors affecting citrus tree absorption of double-stranded ribonucleic acid, and RNAi delivery to psyllids. Proceedings of Florida State Horticultural Society Meeting. 131:7.

Interpretive Summary: Modern molecular biological techniques allow for the design of molecules of ribonucleic acid capable of disrupting key biological processes of pests and diseases. A major requirement for the practical application of ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) against insect pests is an efficient entry pathway into internal tissues of treated plants. Citrus variety and leaf age were analyzed for differences in the absorption of double-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA). Nymphs ingested more RNAi compared with adults and citrus flush (new growth) absorbed more RNAi compared with older leaves. The results suggest that the RNAi treatment of citrus trees induced a systemic effect on citrus trees with more RNAi transported to new growth where nymphal psyllids feed. This effect could reduce the cost of treatment, while also producing better psyllid suppression. Reducing the psyllid population could help prevent the spread of citrus greening disease.

Technical Abstract: Modern molecular biological techniques allow for the design of molecules of ribonucleic acid capable of disrupting key biological processes of pests and diseases. A major requirement for the practical application of ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) against insect pests is an efficient entry pathway into internal tissues of treated plants. Citrus variety and leaf age were analyzed for differences in the absorption of double-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA). Nymphs ingested more RNAi compared with adults and citrus flush (new growth) absorbed more RNAi compared with older leaves. The results suggest that the RNAi treatment of citrus trees induced a systemic effect on citrus trees with more RNAi transported to new growth where nymphal psyllids feed. This effect could reduce the cost of treatment, while also producing better psyllid suppression. Reducing the psyllid population could help prevent the spread of citrus greening disease.